ALLENDALE, MI – The Grand Valley State coaching staff may put itself under as much scrutiny as the players when spring football practice begins Saturday.

The Lakers, who will be indoors at Kelly Family Sports Center to start 15 allowable practices, have two new assistants and only two of seven with the same role as last year. Even coach Matt Mitchell’s duties have changed. He has given up the day-to-day work as defensive coordinator, though he will call plays on game day.

On the field, settling the three linebacker positions will be at the forefront following the departure of seniors Luther Ware, Jordan Kaufman and hybrid Charles Hill. As many as seven contenders will get looks.

Likewise, the secondary will be watched, where cornerbacks Michael Hatcher and Reggie Williams, along with safety Erik Thompson, must be replaced.

Offensively, most of the unit is back, providing room for growth.

“There’s a unique dynamic going on,” said Mitchell, whose team went 12-3 and reached the NCAA Division II semifinals last year. “With most of the starters back (offensively), those guys (coaches) will look to expand the playbook more. Defensively, with more new guys, I think we’ll be more base-orientated at the beginning to make sure we’re all on the same page, and then look to expand as we go along.”

As for the practices themselves, the team will go from 6:30-8 a.m. Saturday and from 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday. After that, the schedule is uncertain. Until the field at Lubbers Stadium can be cleared of snow and OK’d for practice, the Lakers will be inside, like most other GVSU sports. And in-season sports take priority for use.

Crews continued Friday to clear snow from the field, and Mitchell was hopeful it could be used within a week, depending on the weather.

In January, the Lakers hired Jim Louis from St. Cloud State to become co-defensive coordinator and linebacker coach, marking the first time Mitchell has relinquished defensive duties since he became head coach four seasons ago.

Of the seven assistant coaches, only Tim Morrison (offensive coordinator/line coach) and Nick Postma (secondary) have the same responsibilities, though Postma is also now co-defensive coordinator.

The other addition is E.J. Whitlow, hired in early March to handle the defensive line. Whitlow, who played at Findlay, previously held the same position at Notre Dame College in Ohio.

Defensively, that means new coaches on the line and at linebacker and new roles outside the secondary for Postma and even Mitchell. With it has come “invigorating” discussions, Mitchell said.

“We’ve spent a lot of watching tape and a lot of time on the board looking at different ideas,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun for me to go over new ideas, hash over things schematically. It’s been like a learning lab.”

Mitchell said the ideas are still concepts, though he liked the idea of more pressure packages.

“All of it (position changes) has kept us on our toes and forced us to look at new ideas and continue to grow,” he said.

Deonte' Hurst is expected to be a major contributor to the Lakers' defense this season.Doug Witte | Grand Valley State

At linebacker, Deonte’ Hurst is the top returner outside and solid. He tied with a team-high 109 tackles along with three interceptions and a sack. There is also Tennessee transfer Christian Harris, a junior, redshirt sophomores David Talley and Joe Morgan, along with senior Jack Sauber. Redshirt freshmen Heath Hoogerhyde and Collin Schlosser are also in the mix.

In the secondary, two-year starter Brad Horling at safety and senior cornerback DeVonte’ Jones will look to become the anchors.

Offensively, there is room to shine at receiver in the absence of the top two returners. Jamie Potts is playing baseball and Darryl Pitts has to out due to eligibility requirements. Keontre' Miskel, Joe Robbins will have opportunities in the spotlight.

Spring practice will conclude with the Spring Classic at noon on April 12 at the Kelly Family Sports Center. Held in memory of former player and Hall of Famer Jamie Hosford, proceeds from the event will be donated to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.